Brooks Davis, Perry Meridian: The junior gets his first start at quarterback as Perry Meridian opens its new football stadium — its first football stadium — with a challenging game against Greenwood. The Falcons had shared a stadium with Southport since its first season of 1973.

"We've been traveling for over 40 years," Perry Meridian coach Matt Henninger said. "Having our own stadium finally gives us a home. Our guys have a home field to protect. Our students have the opportunity to develop their own traditions. Our elementary and middle school kids have something to look forward to. We won't have to be on someone else's turf anymore. Having coached and played here for the better part of the last 20 years, this is all still a little surreal to me."

Jayden George, Warren Central: The junior quarterback got his feet wet a little bit as a sophomore, but officially takes the reins as the Class 6A third-ranked Warriors host No. 4 Center Grove. George has a big arm and he’s accurate. Better yet, he has an excellent group of receivers around him.

Sampson James, Avon: The 6-1, 200-pound junior running back was Avon’s second-leading rusher last year behind Bryant Fitzgerald, accounting for 589 yards and seven touchdowns. James looked good in preseason practices and should provide a good balance in the run game for an explosive offense. Avon opens at home against Plainfield.

Diomoni Small, Cardinal Ritter: The senior quarterback leads Ritter into a tough opener at Monrovia. Small passed for 1,702 yards and 11 touchdowns last year and rushed for 498 yards and five TDs. Small will need to make some plays for the Raiders in the opener.

Markese Stepp, Cathedral: There might not be a player more looking forward to the opener than this 215-pound senior running back. The Notre Dame recruit missed the bulk of last season with hamstring issues. His return is welcomed by the Irish going into the opener at Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier.